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Cloud pricing and cost optimization

• When should my company use cloud arbitrage?

  Organizations can escape vendor lock-in with a cloud arbitrage model. However, it requires an upfront investment and a solid understanding of the limitations of this approach. Continue Reading

• When should you use cloud vs. on-premises storage?

  Choose the right data storage approach with this breakdown on the differences between cloud and on-premises storage. Consider cost, compliance, performance and other factors. Continue Reading

• AWS Savings Plans vs. Reserved Instances, explained

  AWS Savings Plans offer discounted EC2 rates to help reduce your AWS bill and compute costs. Learn why Savings Plans are a good alternative to Reserved Instances. Continue Reading

• Is it time to consider a cloud exit strategy?

  Cloud repatriation -- or a cloud exit, as it is sometimes called -- is probably not a good choice in most situations. Sometimes, however, it's exactly the right thing to do. Continue Reading

• How to build a successful cloud migration plan in 3 steps

  Migrating to the cloud is not a simple task. Not all workloads benefit from the move, so hammer out a solid cloud migration strategy first. Continue Reading

• Evaluate these 9 multi-cloud management platforms

  Dig into the benefits -- and drawbacks -- of the top tools and services to help enterprises manage their hybrid and multi-cloud environments.Continue Reading

• Deploy Azure low-priority VMs -- strategically

  Microsoft's low-priority VMs come with big savings -- and a catch. Learn how to incorporate them into your cost optimization efforts and see how they stack up to the competition.Continue Reading

• Cloud cost calculators come with some limitations

  Enterprises that plan to move to the cloud should get a good idea of the costs upfront. While calculator tools can give you an estimate, they don't factor in external costs.Continue Reading

• Compare reserved instances pricing for AWS, Azure and GCP

  Got commitment issues? When it comes to long-term instance reservations, cloud users should look closely at what AWS, Microsoft and Google offer.Continue Reading

• Keep an eye on these third-party cloud management tools

  Examine what third-party vendors can bring to the table before you choose your cloud provider's native management tools as a default option.Continue Reading

• Private cloud platforms step out of the shadows

  Enterprises often confront a choice: public or private cloud. Public cloud may be the easy option, but it isn't the right one for everyone.Continue Reading

• Prepare for these 3 cloud computing challenges in 2019

  As enterprise cloud strategies continue to mature, IT teams will face a new set of challenges in 2019, ranging from cost governance to the management of complex, heterogeneous architectures.Continue Reading

• Estimate cloud computing costs prior to app migration

  Enterprises should enlist a number of resources, including cost calculators and third-party tools, to assess what they'll pay for cloud computing -- before they start migration.Continue Reading

• Google Stackdriver enhances alerts, adds Kubernetes support

  A recent round of updates to Google's monitoring tool gives IT and development teams more options to set up alerts, track usage and support Kubernetes, both in the cloud and on premises.Continue Reading

• Multi-cloud adds worries to the cost of cloud services

  The use of more than one cloud provider opens plenty of opportunities for a savvy IT organization, but the multi-cloud approach also makes cost management a troublesome chore.Continue Reading

• Cost management the next big issue in multi-cloud computing

  Multi-cloud computing continues to make its way into the enterprises and, as it does, introduces some significant cost management challenges.Continue Reading

• Cloud billing surprises help pinpoint app performance issues

  To assess cloud app performance, don't forget to closely monitor monthly bills from your IaaS provider. They might point to inefficiencies you'd otherwise overlook.Continue Reading

• Cloud billing APIs enable greater cost transparency

  No enterprise wants to be surprised by its cloud computing bill. And, even as providers offer more visibility into users' costs through APIs and other tools, obstacles remain.Continue Reading

• Azure B-series VMs reduce resource waste for bursty apps

  Paying only for the resources they consume is the ultimate goal for many enterprises in the cloud. Azure's B-series VMs make that goal more attainable -- for certain workloads.Continue Reading

• Public cloud storage market advances around big data, SSDs

  As the competition continues among major public cloud storage providers, recent advancements around SSDs, big data and other technologies will shake things up even more.Continue Reading

• Weigh the pros and cons of cloud computing

  Some enterprises rush to public cloud for greater efficiency and lower costs -- but those perks don't always come easy. Explore cost and performance implications before you migrate.Continue Reading

• GCE committed use discounts offer perks for predictable workloads

  Google's committed use discounts cut cloud costs, but they aren't right for all workloads. Learn when to use them, potential risks and how they compare to AWS Reserved Instances.Continue Reading

• Choose and manage a public cloud storage service successfully

  Follow this guide to choose the right public cloud storage service for your needs and to get strategies for cloud storage management and cost optimization.Continue Reading

• Your cloud bill climbs due to these five overlooked costs

  AWS, Google and Azure offer tools that help users estimate cloud costs. But overlooked services, usage spikes and outages can cause actual cloud bills to far exceed those estimates.Continue Reading

• Is 30% of your cloud spending wasted? Survey says yes.

  Survey respondents estimate that 30% of cloud spending is wasted. How in the world -- or in the cloud -- did this happen, and happen so quickly?Continue Reading

• Cheaper by the dozen: Uncover usage-based cloud discounts

  Enterprises constantly seek new ways to reduce cloud computing costs. Take time to review your instance types from AWS, Azure and Google to see if certain discounts apply.Continue Reading

• Identify and reduce multicloud integration costs

  When using multiple cloud providers, application integration costs can grow quickly. To prevent billing surprises, carefully plan application deployments and workflows.Continue Reading

• How does Azure Premium Storage billing work?

  For Azure Premium Storage, are users billed by how much storage capacity they actually use or how much they reserve or allocate?Continue Reading

• Breaking down the costs of cloud storage

  Storage is a primary reason enterprises move workloads to the cloud. But before shipping off your data, learn how region, capacity and other factors shape cloud storage costs.Continue Reading

• Perform a PaaS pricing comparison for public cloud

  When choosing a platform, enterprises need to focus on features and prices for Azure, Google and AWS. Take a look under the hood before you take it for a spin.Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft-LinkedIn acquisition could reshape cloud apps

  The Microsoft-LinkedIn deal could create a new cloud approach, similar to microservices, that is more personalized for workers' needs.Continue Reading

• On-premises vs. cloud: What's more cost-effective for your apps?

  Some organizations rush into a cloud migration, assuming cost savings are a guarantee. But not all applications are meant for the public cloud, and moving them may cost you more.Continue Reading

• Expanded Azure licensing options give users more choice

  With expanded Azure licensing options from Microsoft, some enterprises moving workloads to the cloud won't have to repurchase software they already own.Continue Reading

• The AWS vs. Azure race isn't over yet

  AWS has been king of the public cloud mountain for years. But now, Azure is steadily climbing up, with a host of new services in tow.Continue Reading

• White box servers turning tide back toward private cloud

  Offering an affordable alternative to most vendor-branded servers, white box systems could lure some enterprises out of the public cloud and back into private environments.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing taxes pose big questions for vendors, users

  As states develop different standards for taxing cloud computing services, uncertainties remain for cloud vendors and users alike.Continue Reading

• Developers need to be aware of avoidable costs

  What do developers worry about when creating an application? Performance. Data validation. Correct logic and processing. Memory use. Concise code. What they tend not to concern themselves with is ...Continue Reading

• New public cloud pricing models sweep the enterprise

  Price cuts are common in the public cloud market, but some experts wonder if they are still the true driver for adoption.Continue Reading

• Consider costs when selecting a cloud deployment model

  Choosing a cloud deployment model is a multivariate problem, but cost differences between hybrid and all public can be important. Kurt Marko offers his take.Continue Reading

• The public cloud market is taking off: Fasten your seat belts

  Cloud expert David Linthicum discusses what is expected from the public cloud this year, why AWS is in the lead and new accounting regulations that could threaten cloud adoption.Continue Reading

• Five tips for trimming your cloud expenses

  Without proper management and monitoring, cloud computing costs can add up quickly. Keep your cloud spending in check with these five quick links.Continue Reading

• Four private cloud costs IT pros often overlook

  While they offer many advantages to an enterprise, private clouds can also introduce new costs -- and they extend far beyond servers, storage and software.Continue Reading

• How to plan for the cost of cloud computing

  Choosing a multicloud solution can save up to 74%, if you review the cost of cloud computing first.Continue Reading

• Assess how cloud changes IT and business mind-sets

  Businesses need a new mind-set to succeed in the cloud. Test your knowledge of cloud trends, and the cultural shifts cloud drives in the enterprise, with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Explore open source cloud software in five quick links

  When dealing with open source cloud computing, there are many factors to consider, ranging from support to hidden costs. Make informed decisions with these five quick links.Continue Reading

• The benefits of hybrid cloud aren't enough for every enterprise

  Hybrid cloud was once the cool kid on the market, but its fame has faded. Enterprises wonder about hybrid cloud advantages and if they're worth the work.Continue Reading

• When to adopt the lift-and-shift cloud migration model

  The lift-and-shift approach is a common migration option, in which an enterprise moves in-house apps to the cloud without redesign. But is it right for you?Continue Reading

• Cloud migration strategy success starts with a plan

  Cloud migrations can be arduous, with many considerations. And first, businesses need to choose between the lift-and-shift and re-architecture models.Continue Reading

• Overcoming obstacles to cloud adoption

  Interest in the cloud is steadily increasing, but an organization looking to make the move must first grapple with learning an entirely new way of computing. Privacy, security and compliance issues can be impediments to cloud adoption, but there are...Continue Reading

• Beware the hidden costs of open source cloud computing

  Many businesses assume open source cloud is cheaper than proprietary models. But that's not always the case, as many costs are often overlooked.Continue Reading

• Niche cloud computing environments gain steam

  By offering more targeted services, niche cloud environments are gaining traction within multiple vertical markets.Continue Reading

• Cloud blurs the line between cloud brokers and CIOs

  As cloud continues to expand its market reach, IT roles are forced to evolve -- including CIOs. And it starts with breaking down department barriers.Continue Reading

• Free-falling cloud prices can't buy enterprise love

  Even as vendors slash their prices, choosing a cloud platform is about more than the costs. Cloud features and performance top enterprise wish lists.Continue Reading

• Taking the mystery out of Google Compute Engine pricing

  As the cloud market's IaaS war ensues, pricing battles between major cloud providers heat up. Will Google Compute Engine fit in your cloud budget?Continue Reading

• Understanding public cloud risks and costs

  Public cloud boasts a number of enterprise benefits, but it isn't perfect. Enterprises should be aware of unpredictable cost structures and other drawbacks.Continue Reading

• New player battles for U.S. cloud market share

  The U.S. cloud market is highly competitive, with Amazon, Microsoft and Google firmly planted at the top. Can new player Alibaba shift the balance?Continue Reading

• Which cloud management tools can track my cloud budget?

  Cloud costs can fluctuate as user demands change. Are there cloud management tools that can help me track my cloud budget and spending?Continue Reading

• Private cloud adoption dwindles in the enterprise

  Private clouds are trailing public clouds when it comes to enterprise adoption. And the cost of private cloud deployments could be partially to blame.Continue Reading

• How does cloud change IT budget planning?

  Cloud services, such as SaaS, introduce a lot of change into an organization. But how exactly do they affect my IT budget and approval process?Continue Reading

• Cloud migrations often -- but not always -- reduce app TCO

  With high hopes for reducing TCO, many enterprises migrate apps to the cloud. But, depending on the app, those cost reductions aren't always in the cards.Continue Reading

• Which cloud model is best for your big data project?

  Cloud computing comes in three distinct flavors: public, private and hybrid. But which is best for my big data project?Continue Reading

• Top considerations for choosing a cloud provider

  With options ranging from AWS to Rackspace, choosing a cloud provider can be tough. Consider these key factors before taking the leap.Continue Reading

• Ensure project success with private cloud planning

  Before taking the leap to private cloud, it's important to ask -- and answer -- five common questions on performance, security and more.Continue Reading

• Winning a cloud business case debate

  The strongest cloud business case used to be reducing capital costs. Today, business cases should highlight other cloud perks, such as process automation.Continue Reading

• Experts forecast the 2015 cloud computing market

  From price wars to new tools and services, the cloud market was buzzing in 2014. Will it be the same in 2015? Our cloud experts share their predictions.Continue Reading

• What should I look for in cloud storage availability?

  It's nearly impossible to avoid downtime with any IT service, and cloud storage is no exception. But what should you consider for cloud storage availability?Continue Reading

• Cloud data security comes with hefty price tag

  As attacks on IT systems with sensitive data continue, cloud security becomes a top concern. Users won't find the best security practices on a clearance rack.Continue Reading

• Crunching the numbers with cloud cost analysis tools

  Cloud costs can quickly skyrocket if the budget isn't kept in check. Cloud cost analysis tools, such as CloudCheckr and Cloudability, however, can help avoid that monthly sticker shock.Continue Reading

• Google Compute Engine is a powerful one-year-old

  In the quest for IaaS domination, Google is stating its case against AWS. But is Google Compute Engine still too new to compete?Continue Reading

• Cloud value proposition heightened with proper cost controls

  Public cloud marketing hype promises cost savings, but your budget can easily be destroyed without mitigating cloud's unpredictable costs.Continue Reading

• DRaaS benefits spark market growth, mask dangers

  Cloud-based disaster recovery addresses major enterprise concerns, such as lower costs and greater flexibility. But it's not without warts of its own.Continue Reading

• Networking costs swell pay-per-use public cloud bills

  Pay-per-use cloud billing means enterprises need to monitor usage to stay in budget, but unpredictable networking costs can complicate this task.Continue Reading

• Is Amazon CloudSearch superior to do-it-yourself search tools?

  Big data can be incredibly valuable for enterprise business intelligence. But to extract that value, you must choose the most appropriate search tool.Continue Reading

• In cloud planning, make room for storage

  This handbook explores cloud-based storage in terms of cost, manageability, scalability, flexibility, latency/availability and more. It also looks at cloud-based backup and disaster recovery options in the cloud.Continue Reading

• How to get everyone on-board with a cloud migration project

  Cloud naysayers reject the idea that benefits of a migration outweigh the trouble, but AWS customers list five benefits that could prove them wrong.Continue Reading

• Cloud computing services: Lease vs. own

  Many services and applications can be handled by cloud computing providers. But enterprises should look carefully at cost before deciding whether to lease or own.Continue Reading

• Introducing IT chargeback to meter private cloud use

  IT chargeback is a vital cog in your private cloud wheel. To properly bill users for IT resources, choose one of these four models.Continue Reading

• Can Amazon Web Services' cloud offerings evolve with the times?

  Amazon Web Services cloud is the de-facto industry leader. This AWS deep dive explains why and looks at what the IaaS vendor must do to keep its lead.Continue Reading

• Cost savings, efficiencies lead IT pros to cloud computing

  Public and private cloud use has gained steam in the enterprise, shows survey data, despite IT pros' nagging concerns.Continue Reading

• Choosing from the major Platform as a Service providers

  Many organizations prefer Platform as a Service offerings for their cloud needs. Our expert compares options from Google, Microsoft and Amazon.Continue Reading

• How cloud computing is changing IT

  How much disruption will the cloud model cause in the average enterprise? This special report digs into strategic areas of cloud computing where IT pros are short on answers.Continue Reading

• Five tips for evaluating the TCO of a cloud application

  Before moving applications into a cloud computing environment, take a look at these five guidelines for calculating the total cost of ownership of your apps.Continue Reading

• Understanding cloud computing pricing

  Someday, cloud computing providers may simplify pricing models. But until that day, when determining total pricing for a cloud computing service, consider the services offered by the provider and how each pricing structure is worded.Continue Reading

• Tech Watch: Cloud computing services

  With cloud computing services projected to rake in a third of IT spending by 2013, there are a few key functions that value-added resellers should target. Find out what those functions are and how to keep up with this evolutionary change.Continue Reading